Why You Want to Get Your Child's Flu Shot Early

Every year, roughly 30% of kids are infected with the influenza (flu) virus, and of those, roughly 20,000 are hospitalized with serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, according to data from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. 

The good news: Having a flu shot can help protect your child from the flu, but the key is knowing when to schedule the vaccine for maximum effects.

As leading providers of preventive care for kids, Jag Ambwani, MD, FAAP, and the team at One World Pediatrics offer flu shots beginning with the start of autumn, helping kids get the protection they need to stay healthy. If you’re wondering when to schedule your child’s flu shot, here are five reasons why it makes sense to do it early.

1. Prevent early infection

While the flu season tends to peak around December and remain high through May, the virus can start to become active much earlier in the fall. Once your child is in school and exposed to lots of other kids and adults, the risk of catching the flu can increase dramatically.

Early vaccination prepares your child for the flu whenever it may strike. In fact, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the onset of flu season has become less predictable, making early vaccination even more important for your child’s health.

2. Immunity takes time

Many people think that as soon as they get the flu shot, they’re protected against infection — but that’s not true. Vaccines aren’t designed to provide immediate immunity. Instead, they trigger a series of events that “teaches” your immune system to recognize and fight off specific types of viruses, like the flu virus. 

In most cases, it takes a couple of weeks before your body develops immunity to the virus. During that period, it’s still possible to get the flu, even though you’ve been vaccinated. Getting the flu shot early gives your child’s body a chance to build up immunity before the height of flu season later this winter.

3. More convenient appointments

As flu season progresses, more people seek medical care for sick visits. That means it might take a little longer to make an appointment that suits your schedule. 

It also means that when your child comes in, they’re more likely to be exposed to people who have the virus already. Early vaccination reduces the risk of unwanted contact with the virus while also providing you with plenty of scheduling options.

4. Reducing the risk of spreading illness

Of course, when it comes to the flu, your primary concern is helping your child stay healthy. But it’s also important to note that when you opt for earlier vaccination, you can help prevent the spread of the infection to others, including other family members. 

Elderly people and very young kids (including younger siblings) are especially prone to complications from flu infections, including pneumonia that requires hospitalization.

5. One less thing to worry about

For busy parents, getting the flu shot early means you have one less thing to squeeze into your busy calendar. Plus, it provides you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve taken an important step toward keeping your child healthy this flu season, so you have more time and energy to devote to other concerns. 

Be ready this flu season

A flu vaccine takes just a few moments, but it can provide an entire year of protection for your child. To learn more about flu vaccines or to schedule a vaccine visit, request an appointment online or over the phone or just walk in for a visit with the team at One World Pediatrics in Longwood, Florida, today.